Poor diversity and not a good place to work if you're not cut from the same cloth - Senior Associate Mills & Reeve Employee Review

1.0
2 Dec 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nothing that is worth sacrificing your identity.

Cons

Despite the external fanfare of M&R receiving accolades for being a 'great place to work' , my experience has been completely the opposite and that is most likely to be because of my background. M&R's trainee cohort for the last 10 years speaks for itself. I have sat in meetings where racist comments have been made in front of partners yet no formal action has been taken. You will fit in if you're a certain type of 'person' with a certain type of personality otherwise you will quickly be marginalised. M&R has good reviews because the reviews are conducted by like-minded people from the same background who share the same interests and the same archaic values. M&R's clients are diverse but their workforce isn't. I have been close to crumbling because of this firm but thankfully I was able to get through it however others may not. Please consider twice before joining if you're a talented lawyer from a 'different' background.

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Mills & Reeve Response
5y
We are really sorry this has been your experience at Mills & Reeve. We are serious in our commitment to help each person thrive and be their true self at work, regardless of their background. So we can address your concerns, look into this matter properly and take any necessary action please would you make contact with either Claire our Managing Partner, Tash our Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager or a member of the HR team.

Explore other reviews about Mills & Reeve

4.0
28 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people are not only nice but very good at their jobs. The offices are great, there is an authentic positive culture and management really do care what staff think. For a law firm you will struggle to find a nicer place to work.

Cons

It’s not a sweat shop but it’s still a law firm. Firm growth target is high. Pay and bonus could be much better, and hasn’t been as good more recently. There is a turnover of staff which needs addressing. Large partnership structure where partners are all paid the same as equity partners elsewhere means pay is lower for the rest than it should be. This can negatively affect morale amongst more senior FEs who are not partners given their workloads. Fair pay should not be a trade off for not having to work 15 hour days and weekends. Most FEs work 10-12 hour days and should be paid better for that.

3.0
4 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good training opportunities and generally nice people to work within the team. You have the option to move around the business into different roles. Nice office spaces.

Cons

Pay below market rate, valued in praise but not pay recognition for your progression and increase in skills. Large company that you can't really impact, a lot of red tape and knowing the right people to make changes.

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